The construction of a mosque in Rawson Street in Knysna has been given the green light by the Western Cape High Court.
Earlier today the court dismissed an application by Rawson Street homeowners, supported by the Knysna Ratepayers Association, to halt construction.
They said in court papers that there was no proper consultation by the Municipality about this and that the plans for the mosque had violated several municipal by laws and regulations.
The Knysna Municipality, which opposed the application and shelled out more than a million rand in legal fees, welcomed the court's decision.
Knysna Municipality spokesperson, Fran Kirsten, said "the application to review and set aside the decision made by the Council of the Municipality of Knysna on 29, May, 2015, was dismissed with costs this morning," she said.
"The costs awarded shall include costs occasioned by the employment of two counsel in respect of both the first and second respondents," she added.
Meanwhile, the court ruling has been welcomed by the South African Muslim Judicial Council.
Spokesperson, Moulana Shuaib Appleby said that the process to build the mosque is being driven by the Knysna Muslim Council, with the support of the national organisation.
"This is a celebration of the democracy of South Africa. It sounds good for the country that we are enjoying a holistic society that we envisaged of part of a South African democracy," he said.
Moulana Appleby said the SAMJC has been working with the Knysna Muslim Council and have been instrumental in giving them advice and guidance on matters which they had found challenging.
